We're Nakama!

She opened her eyes and blinked.

'What... What happened?'

"Come one, Fluttershy, it will be fantastic!" Said a Unicorn.

She had a pale light-grayish-mulberry colored coat, sapphire blue mane, with violet and rose streaks. Her Cutie Mark was in the form of six-pointed bright red star with five similar bight white and far smaller stars surrounding it. Her eyes were normally violet, but right now they were two glowing orbs of magical power, which in combination with her, glowing in brilliant raspberry light, horn gave off an aura of mystical power and actually worried the second Pony on the big grassy meadow.

"I..., I don't know Twilight, isn't it dangerous?" Ask Fluttershy.

She was a Pegasus with pale light-grayish-golden coat, pale light-grayish-rose mane and cyan eyes. Her Cutie Mark was in the form of three pink and cyan butterflies.

'Now... I remember, I was with Twilight and she wanted to try out the new spell.' Thought Fluttershy, as she tried to stand up on her hoofs.

Something wasn't right, her body felt wrong and she couldn't tell why.

'What happened next?'

"AH! Move, Fluttershy!" Screamed a familiar voice.

Fluttershy didn't have time to move when somepony collided with her. The mess distracted Twilight from her spell, but at the same moment the magical aura on her horn apparently reached crescendo and erupted in a bright flash of light.

'And now I'm here...' Thought Pegasus.

Fluttershy remembered that Twilight Sparkle, her very dear friend was trying to cast a very old spell for 'Locked-Teleportation'. Fluttershy didn't understand fully the whole concept, but apparently it was going to bring her to her home, where Twilight earlier created a 'Marker' which worked as a final destination for the spell. Of course is was far mow complex than that, but Fluttershy didn't got the rest of the explanation.

"And what do you think you're doing?" The new voice surprised Fluttershy.

She turned around and saw the one who was speaking.

And fainted from the combination of the mental stress, shock from the transportation by the spell and from the very intimidating giant figure that was standing not far away.

Tomic S. Droil saw too darn many things in his life to be surprised by anything, but three girls appearing on the clearing where he usually was training to keep himself in shape was in the Top Ten instantly.

Tomic was old, and very tall man. In his seventy five years of life he was at least as tall as Garp, one of the people in the Marines who he actually respected and had very muscular build. He had grey hair that was cut short and stuck in all directions from under his yellow bandanna, dull-green eyes and short beard just on the end of his chin. He was wearing brown shirt with long sleeves, green shorts and flip-flops. The shirt wasn't buttoned up, so everyone could see his muscular chest, six-pack and a disturbing amount of scars that could be seen almost all over his exposed skin.

In his life he was a snot-nosed brat for fifteen years years, a Bounty Hunter for ten and then forty years, the best in his life, he was a Pirate. Right now he was ten years into retirement and that was really driving him up the wall. He didn't die when he crossed Reverse Mountain, he didn't die when the ship he was on almost crashed into a damn gigantic whale when they were riding down from said mountain. Sea King couldn't take him on and live to tell the tale! The Marines couldn't catch him, and he could easily beat a Vice Admiral in one-on-one fight, even if he would come out of it with some scars to remember. Damn his bounty was 200,000,000 Beli!

And he was stuck on the small island in the East Blue because he really didn't want to deal with any of the Justice-lapdogs or Bounty Hunters that will surely try to claim his head or bounty respectably. The headache of getting away from them was worse than the boredom of sitting on this island.

Kuroki Island was really far from any normal trade roads and didn't have any value for World Government so there really wasn't any point for Marines to come here at all, making the retirement more peaceful and relaxing...

... and dreadfully boring.

And apparently Heaves heard his plea and now he was looking at the result of not specifying hi prays. This was not what he wanted to deal with at the moment. He was hoping for some dumb rookie pirate to come and try to throw his weight around or something, even some no-name Bounty Hunter would be better than three snot-nosed *brats***!

'This shit is not gonna fly...' Thought Tomic.

First girl was a blond-haired tanned one with Stetson hat on her head. Her hair was long enough to reach her butt, with the part of the end being held together by a red ribbon, while her top was pretty short and sticking a tad bit upward from under her Stetson, two bands were framing her face. She was wearing a white blouse with green on top with a rolled-up sleeves, low-thigh length denim-skirt held up with a brown belt with red apple-shaped buckle. On her feet were brown boots almost reaching her knees with red apples on them. She also three freckles under each eye.

'What the fuck with all the apples?' Thought Tomic. 'Is she some kind of a farmer from apple-orchard? Damn long way she must be from home if the last time I ate a the damn thing was two years ago!'

She was actually the most normal of the trio, considering that her tan can be the result of the long time under the sun.

The other two took the cake with the cherry on top.

Wings.

They had fucking *wings***!

'What the hell? They doesn't look like the ones that the citizens of the Skypiea have. And the clothes doesn't match too...' Tomic didn't really wanted to come close, at least not until he could at least be sure that they won't attack right away.

It will be really a headache to deal with the mess if they will try to actually fight him. It's not like some snot-nosed brats could take him on or something, but he really wasn't into beating up defenseless girls, not his thing.

The first one of the winged couple was also tanned girl but a lighter shade than the cowboy-wannabe one. She also had light pink hair with a butterfly-shaped hairpin in it, that was apparently there only for decoration considering that her long mane with curling ends was as bouffant as it could be. She was wearing a white sleeveless shirt, grin skirt with three butterflies of different colors, pink underskirt which was seen only an inch of, green boots almost reaching her knees and apparently pink socks, that did reach he knees. A pair of butter-yellow wings were sprouting from her back, apparently too small to actually do something other than being a strange addition to the set of strange things about the girl. Maybe her body was lighter than than normal and the wings were able to actually lift her instead of just creating a breeze?

Tomic turned to the third girl.

'Yep, this is just peachy...' Tomic really was going to facepalm from this one.

The last one was making the first two look like a pieces of grey mass.

Her tan was even lighter but still visible even for the naked eye. She was wearing blue knee-hight boots with white bootlaces, multicolored horizontally-striped half-hoses, black skin-tight shorts under vertically wide-striped purple and white skirt. She also had white T-shirt with black collar and with an emblem of the cloud and a red-yellow-blue lightning striking down from it on the chest. Over the T-shirt she was wearing a blue hight-collar jacket with short sleeves. She was also wearing red-yellow-blue wristbands one both hands. What was actually even more outstanding about the girl even than a pair of a very light cerulean wings on her back, was her hair. The damn mop, going down to her butt was like a fucking *rainbow**! It hurt to even *look at the damn thing! There was red, orange, yellow, green, blue and even purple colors in her mane and as much as Tomic could say, they were natural!

'This shit just took the cake! What the fuck with the hair?! Did her mother stood over the pot of gold, dropped her pants and bent over for God's sake?' He got a headache from even looking at the multicolored abomination.

Suddenly the pink-haired one stirred. She shakily tried to pull her self up blinking around, apparently unable to focus her eyes properly at the moment.

"And what do you think you're doing?" Ask Tomic.

Really, what the hell was she doing? Considering how clean their clothes were, the girls were not a from a poor surroundings and the lack of any scarring and altogether flawless skin told Tomic that they apparently didn't have a real fight or done any hard work in their entire lives! Well, the one in Stetson had some muscles at least on her, even if barely visible, but the other two were sticks.

The girl turned to him so fast that he thought her neck was going to snap... and fainted.

'Somehow, I'm not surprised.' Thought Tomic and facepalmed. Removing his hand from his face he looked up and if his guess was right, the time that will take to drag this three to his house, check them for wounds, or better make someone check them for any wounds, he will be too late for his morning workout. 'Just great...' He released a heavy sigh.

"So, where did you say you found this three?" Asked a young woman with short light-brown hair watching over three sleeping girls.

They were put in beds as soon as Tomic turned up at her home and dragged her to look over them. Miako wasn't really impressed with the was the old goat just dropped the three on the floor near the door like some bags. Well, the one in Stetson was in bed, while the rainbow-haired one was sleeping in the hammock and the pink-haired one was resting on the bear-skin that was lying on the floor.

'He really need to learn how to interact with other people who *isn't** made from rocks, at least not their brain.'* She wasn't really angry with the old man, because getting angry with the him is like trying to carve your own skull open: painful and unproductive. So instead she turned her attention on the three poor ladies.

Miako wasn't that tall, had light-brown hair and green eyes. She was wearing a black shirt, white jeans and sandals. There was a tattoo of a pink parrot with a matchstick in its beak on her left shoulder. Many asked what does it mean, but she never answered because she really would better keep it a secret.

The tattoo meant that she was a saboteur. As a former mercenary she really didn't won't anyone trying to dig up all the dirt that shouldn't see the light of the day any sooner than never, so if someone got too curious she just told them that it was 'Legacy of the Misspent Youth' and it was almost always enough to shut them up. In her line of work she saw many things that really killed her ability to be surprised, but right now she was a close as could be to actually rising eyebrow. For the last five years of her life she worked in a bar saw some colorful characters and when you add the list of them she saw on her job, there really wasn't any type of a person that she didn't met at some point of time. At least till today.

The three girls were really something, considering that there was apparently nothing that could link them with any group that she saw in her life. After checking them over for almost an hour and making sure that they were not physically harmed in any way, she tried to get the full story from the old man, but the 'appeared in the bright light' crap he was telling her was really getting on her nerves at the moment. The absolute lack of any physical damage to their body was more than astonishing to her, considering that everyone over time accumulation some amount of little scars from day-to-day life, this three were absolutely clean, like they were born just today! This was an impossibility. The only other thing she could think of is that one of them had the ability of a Akuma no Mi(Devil Fruit) that could heal.

'Naoru-Naoru no Mi(Heal-Heal Fruit) maybe?' She thought.

She wasn't a Doctor, but she was far better than Tomic in that department. His First-Aid skill were limited to Spit-on-the-wound-to-make-it-better, which really wasn't some he should be proud of! But, what can you ask from a man who consider a damn sword stuck in hid guts a little scratch? He couldn't take care of a paper cut because it wasn't worth be concerned about in his eyes, but for vanilla mortals a large gash on their arm was far more than a paper cut.

Also he called her because she was one of not so many people who can tolerate him, knew of his past and won't spill the bean if asked what the hermit wanted. Well, he wasn't really a hermit, just not very sociable.

Tomic wasn't able to answer because one of the girls, the one with blond hair, stirred.

'At last *some** questions could be answered.'* Thought Miako.

The girl blinked awake, her eyes were sap-green color, and looked around. When she Miako, her eyes widened.

"What the Hay are you?!" She blurred out.

'Okay... This was an... unique way of questioning someone's name. And what with the 'Hay'?' Thought Miako. 'Better calm her down, until old goat will try to do it himself, and *that** is not something anyone will want in this situation.'*. Putting on her friendliest smile she answered.

"Hello, my name is Miako and I'm the one that was taking care of you while you were unconscious." She said.

Applejack woke up feeling as if she was bucking apples for three day straight without any rest. The soreness of her body was familiar, but too strong to be normal. She really wanted to just fall back asleep right now, but the strange feeling that she should be worried about something just would let her. Opening her eyes she saw a wooden celling.

Not her room's celling.

This instantly brought her to full awareness and apparently triggered the memories that were making her worry.

She was with Rainbow Dash, who was carrying her to Twilight because she sprained her left front leg and couldn't run fast enough and they both wanted to see what new Spell Twili wanted to demonstrate them. Apparently it was something fantastic and really cool, but they were still late and that wasn't good in Applejack's book. When they were nearing the meadow where the others were, something completely unexpected happened, a bird crashed into Rainbow's face. She was distracted by their talk and didn't see the little thing, and when she lost her balance they dove into half-controlled fall with the damn bird apparently trying to take one of Dash's eyes with it as a trophy. Between holding holding Applejack and trying not to permanently loose eyesight Rainbow could control her fall very well and they crash right into Fluttershy.

Then there was a flash of light and then darkness.

Well, at least something good apparently came up from the whole ordeal, her leg didn't hurt at all. Maybe they got a doctor to look at it? But the problem was that the celling that she was seeing right now wasn't even Hospital's or her room's, just an unfamiliar set planks. The bed on which she was lying was soft but no very comfortable and a bit bumpy like it was made not for her. She turned to the left and saw a simple bookcase with some book in it, but mostly some random staff, half of witch she didn't even know the origin of. next was a weird chair that looked like someone just cut of a piece of a giant tree and cut recess in it to sit in and it was really big one to boot. Whoever was the owned of this place was the size of a teen-dragon at least! In-front of an improvised chair there was a table that at least looked normal but a good tad bigger than normal by Pony-standards.

Applejack turned to look at the right and almost choked.

Standing near the bed on which she was lying was... She really didn't know what it was, but it was there! It had some light-brown mane on top of its head, two green eyes and no fur except for mentioned mane. Its muzzle was a bit like monkey's with the nose more straight and lips more pronounced. There was some clothes on her: black shirt and black... whatever was covering her legs. She had... claws, but now like Spike, Twilight's loyal assistant, but more... fleshy for the lack of better word, with just a little bone-like... scales, one on the tip of each claw.

"What the Hay are you?!" Maybe Applejack could be a bit less rude, but the shock from the whole set of events was too much for the mare.

It smiled at her, she could make out a pair of sharp canines, meaning that whatever it was, it wasn't herbivore.

"Hello, my name is Miako and I'm the one that was taking care of you while you were unconscious." It said in a very feminine voice.

Applejack was really glad at the moment that the... female let her rude behavior slide. Well, at least she could answer with her own name to be polite.

"Em, my name Applejack and sorry for being rude." She sounded like Fluttershy right now.

'Oh no! Fluttershy! Rainbow Dash!' She almost forgot about her friends!

As if hearing her thoughts the female said.

"Your friends are alright, they are resting too right now."

'At least some good news.' Thought Applejack and then looked at her hoof, that was sprained to make sure it was alright.

She blinked. Then blinked again.

And then she screamed.

Miako really couldn't decide which diagnose is better: insanity or brain-damage?

Their guest, Applejack, was apparently a... Pony. There was something really funny about the whole situation, but Miako just could pinpoint what exactly. After making sure that Applejack stopped screaming blue-murder and trying to bite her fingers off, she helped her to the table and made some tea.

'This is just going to be one big mess, I *know** it.'* Thought Miako.

Applejacks whole tale took at least an hour and a half and made Miako question girl's sanity more times than not. Either the girl was nuts, or someone screw her over with some kind of brainwashing. There was just no way that what she was telling was true.

A whole country full of ponies? That was just plain ridiculous. If there was such a land and apparently the island wasn't even small by any definition of the word, than at least some information must be available about it. There was some things that were possible, considering even the sheer craziness of the Grand Line and some which were just impossible because they just didn't make sense!

Earth-Ponies that apparently were the closest thing to normal ponies that Miako saw in her life, were powered by passive Magic that made them stronger and faster than any other Pony. Alright, putting the whole 'World-of-Ponies' aside, the Magic actually existed. Magic, as in children's books, like the real Magic that made something happen without the help of any outside factor beside itself. Miako had to use every ounce of her willpower to keep the blank face, or she would've been rolling on the ground a laughing her ass of. But it even wasn't the end!

Pegasuses were apparently able to walk on clouds, and she was talking about normal clouds and now the ones from Sky Island, manipulate weather to a certain extent and even create natural phenomenons. The idea of someone actually manufacturing a rainbow in a liquid form was just too much and Miako had to stiff a giggle that threated to escape her mouth and cover it with teacup.

And finally Unicorns were a reality bending magicians. Miako's brain actually went into reboot from the sheer pressure of the desire to laugh. The fits of Magic that Applejack described to her were some of the most insane that Miako actually heard in her life. Teleportation? Transmutation? Name it!

There was also a Higher Breed, so to say, Alicorns, who were a mix of the other three types with all the bonuses and big power-boost. Also they were somewhat bigger than normal Ponies and counted only in two. Princess Celestia, the one that was responsible to rise the sun, and Princess Luna, who logically was responsible for moon's movements.

The society wasn't better. Apparently it was a big fluffy pacifistic Paradise with such minor conflicts that it wasn't even worth mentioning. The only noteworthy events were the incident with on the the co-rulers of the country, the 'Princess of the Moon' going bonkers because no-one wanted to be awake at night to see her moon and stars, so throwing what can only be described as a 'Royal Temper-Tantrum' she turned 'Evil' and was sent to the moon. Well, considering that she wanted to make it so the night would last forever and therefor commit a genocide, because most of the plants can't grow without sunlight, she was considerably less intimidating than, say, one of the Shichibukai. The Government's lapdog would've teared the Villain-Wannabe apart without as much as a scratch. If the World Government was threated with such a thing as making a half of the world suffer such a fate, they would probably send an Admiral to deal with the Princess. Nightmare Moon who? Kizaru would have been the most appropriate for the job, and considering that he's like a charging bull with little to none tolerance to bullshit, the Pony would have been ashes faster than she could blink.

Then there was Discord. Something called Draconequus, who had 'the head of a pony and a body of all sorts of other things', which actually made him as some kind of a poorly made chimera with creator being drunk or high most of the time of actual creating. But what Applejack said about his powers actually sounded interesting. The so-called 'Spirit of Disharmony' had a god-like power over reality and with some proper motivation he could actually conquer the world, but the love for pathetic jokes and general lack in intelligence department actually made him more of a joke than a real threat. Even the 'Dark Age' where he ruled over the Equestria, the country of Ponies, was more of him screwing everything over for shit and giggles without any actual harm being done. Sooner or later he would just get bored and leave to find some new entertainment.

But the most interesting part from Applejack tale was the 'Elements of Harmony', which apparently did nothing. Well, not nothing per se, but the only thing that they could do was to shoot big-ass rainbow at the enemy, which didn't harm a 'Good' person, and fix and 'Evil' one. Apparently the whole idea was about the fact that everyone deserves a Second Chance, and there is some good in everyone, but that was so naive, that Miako actually thought that it was a joke. The Elements were restoring 'Order' and considering that the only one that actually was harmed by them was Discord because of him being a 'Disorder' in flesh, and the only thing they've done was lock the twerp in stone! Why not kill the bugger if he's so much of a threat? Well, apparently killing was Evil and wasn't something this Ponies actually even considered as a possible solution.

From what Applejack told her, there was six Ponies that used the Elements and she was one herself.

Magic was apparently the Element that united the others into rainbow-canon, The Element symbolized the 'Magic of Friendship', which signified the power they obtained from gaining the better understanding of friendship and strengthening the bond between each-other. The whole concept was ridiculously naive to the point of stupidity and held absolutely no weight in a real fight, considering that any normal person will just kill them while they will be charging they rainbow-canon.

Honesty was Applejacks Element and was more or less straightforward, all about being truthful and honest to others and making so all the truth you tell will sound believable. Well, at least Miako now knew why Applejack was so talkative.

Kindness was Fluttershy's, the pink-haired girl's Element, what actually just meant that she was all-forgiving and basically spineless. The little piece of information that she did something called 'Stare' was actually made Miako remember one of Tomic's rumbles about Haki. Question for later.

Laughter was basically the ability to be a joker and make everyone laugh and be the heart of the company.

Generosity was the ability to give something without wanting something in return, basically being a tool.

Loyalty was actually more or less self-explained.

As a whole they will probably explode from overload if ever come into contact with the atmosphere of the Grand Line, considering that the whole place one big disorder. The whole thing had a pretty big charging time and someone with even one braincell will see that by killing even one of the users while they are defenseless would be the most logical way to defeat them. Without all six of them the Elements are useless and so the rainbow-canon won't fire. Pretty useless thing in a real world.

Than Applejack told her about some of their adventures, if they could be called such. Miako actually pretty much tunned the girl out.

The only way such an island could exist if it was in Calm Belt, which would explain the whole weather-managing thing. But then again, some thing just didn't make sense! What the hell with the 'rising' moon and sun by two Princesses? This just took the cake! The sheer power to move the celestial bodies was insane, and Applejack actually talked about it with straight face. Miako could read people with ease and the girl was absolutely sure that she was telling the truth. The place was so soft, spineless and toothless that if even the most weak pirate crew will land their, they will create a new level of 'Evil' by just not caring about actually killing the Ponies off. The Magic won't save anyone from the bullet to the head if you don't know that it is coming.

"This... is the most insane thing I ever heard, but somehow the sheer detail in which you are telling me it make me actually believe you." Sighed Miako. Suddenly she heard a scream and a sound of something hitting the floor. "Apparently your friends are awake, lets calm them down before they will try to fly away."

'This is getting even more ridiculous as the time pass. Good thing that I sent Tomic to the city so he would buy something to eat.' She thought.

Tomic was walking through the main street of the village searching for the stand with vegetables that he was asked to get. Considering that his skill as a cook were barely enough to cook something that was running or swimming around before he killed it, he was really wasn't in a position to argue. Also, he wasn't going to be the one who will give the brats an explanation about their current whereabouts, and a short walk was far better than a headache of babysitting three annoying twerps that would probably cry because of broken nail.

There was a lot of things that the old pirate was sure about, and one of them was that he was in no way or form a children-person. The snot-nosed brats were always complained about everything and there was a big possibility of him just knocking them out to shut the whining out. Something that Miako was against, telling him that he was too harsh about the whole thing.

'Ha, as if!' Thought Tomic.

He wouldn't even hit them that hard, a love-tap at best, there is no reason to worry! And if his gut-feeling was right, he'll get plenty of reasons to knock some sense into the three princesses' heads, he even smiled at the thought. And with this cheerful thought he neared the stand with the best vegetables in the village.

Being more of an eat-on-foot type of a person, he just bought what Miako asked him to without bothering to think what was going to be made from it, he really wasn't one to question free service, and Miako's cooking was pretty good.

After paying for the food, he turned around and walked home. The road to his home was through the thick forest which was apparently full of some nasty buggers who really liked to annoy him. One time some dumb bear tried to eat him, not the smartest thing to do, its skin right now was doing good work as a carpet.

Suddenly Tomic heard growling from the left.

'Brave puppies.' He thought with a smirk.

The wolfs were pretty dumb and never actually learned their lesson. He detected their presence about half-an-hour ago and didn't know if they were going to actually attack or the point that attacking him was a bad idea actually reached their brains at last.

Suddenly, one wolf jumped from the bushes, aiming to rip former pirate's throat out. Without even flinching Tomic rose his hand and backhanded the animal in the side of its head fast enough to send it flying back to the bushes.

'Not even a warm-up.' Sighed Tomic.

Two more jumped from behind the trees to his right, but he just leaned back without even slowing down and they flew over his chest. Swatting them aside with his left hand without even releasing the bag of groceries, Tomic yawned. This was getting boring fast. Without breaking his stride he jumped over one wolf who tried to bite-tackle his left ankle and landed on the animal's head, burrowing its snot in the ground and knocking its lights out.

"And that's all that was there..." Smirked Tomic and without a care in the world started walking forward.

Miako long ago found out the most of the plans never survived past starting point, so she really wasn't surprised when she had to calm down the other two girls. The multicolor-haired one was flying in circles and trying to look herself over, while the pink-haired one was... out cold. Again.

'How the Hell can anyone be *this** meek?'* Thought Miako.

After calming down the other two, and two well-placed chops on the head of Rainbow Dash to make her calm down, Miako set them at the table with Applejack to make sure that either they were all insane or suffering from some form of mass-hysteria.

Well, at least she was able to compare their characters while trying to get some answers.

Applejack was straight-forward and a tad bit simple person, who clearly appreciated her friends. From her tale Miako could see that she was a brave and hard-working person.and one of the more mature of the trio, even with some headstrong moments.

Rainbow Dash was a boasting, brash, self-confident and sometimes lazy immature child with big ego. But at the same time she was a loyal fried with big heart that never will abandon her friends.

Flutter shy was a timid thing who was afraid of her own shadow and Miako had to strain her ears to ever hear the shy girl was actually saying something. Apparently she was very kind but a tad bit of a soft for any type of a confrontation.

Right now they were all siting around the table, drinking tea and talking, while Miako was filling them in on the location they were in.

'I really hope that Tomic will come back soon.' Thought the former mercenary.

Applejack was sitting and looking in her cup of tea.

Human, that was the term to describe what she was turned into. It was quiet a shock for a cowpony to woke in the unfamiliar bipedal body that felt so much like her own. Well, at least she kept her eyes and mane, some reminder of whom she was.

She looked at her finders on the left arm and flexed them. Controlling them was apparently easier than she thought and took her only about half-an-hour to get the idea of how to grab things with them and how to properly move them to operate the objects around her. Well, they actually were pretty neat, considering how flexible and agile they were.

'Twili would probably have an episode and give her leg to just *study** them,'* She thought.

Walking was another thing that came quiet fast to her, considering that her new body apparently had a new balance all worked out but itself. Strange, but you didn't question a blessing when you're given one. Yes, she fell down several time, but the... woman, Miako helped her to the table and gave her a warm cup of tea to calm her nerves. Tea was strange and with unfamiliar taste, but actually not that bad and helped in calming down.

Next thing Applejack knew was that Miako questioned the place where she came from. Seeing that the woman not only helped her and her friends, but even took it upon herself to insure that they were properly treated and actually shared food, Applejack didn't have anything about telling her about Equestria.

Truthfully, Applejack was mostly was telling everything on reflex, while her mind wondered back to her home.

Apple Bloom, her little sister.

Granny Smith, her grandmother that had more fire in her than some young mares.

Big McIntosh, or Big Mac as all his friends and family called him, her older brother who wasn't much for a talk but always was a good listener.

How was her family doing? By Miako's words they were out cold for several hours and Twilight would've already told her family about the incident. Were they worried? Were they looking for her? Applejack was always making sure that everything on the farm was going alright, because it was her life, her home and her destiny according to her Cutie Mark.

What about her friends?

Twilight was probably running around library trying to find anything that could help her to find them. Applejack wasn't a specialist in Magic, far from it, but she understood that countering an accident and returning them home may take some time, if that is even possible in the first place. But she had faith in Twilight, and if there was a way to get them back home, she will find it no matter what.

Spike would be assisting Twilight in everything, being the little loyal friend that he was.

Rarity will probably help with searching trough the huge amount of books, and keep her appearance regal and clean as always. This thought actually brought smile on Applejack's face.

Pinkie Pie will run around, helping and getting ready to throw a 'Welcome-Back-After-Teleportation-Mishap'-party in their face, or probably coming up with the idea of various adventures that the trio could participate in. Pink party-Pony was all about being an unpredictable force of pure fun and joy, that brought smiles upon faces of the people around her.

And now, after Miako filled her on the place that they apparently was in, Applejack didn't even know if returning home was a possibility, considering how much she was currently at odds with the world they were in.

If compared to Equestria, this place was Tartarus or even worse.

First was the fact that the weather here was a natural phenomenon that wasn't controlled by anyone only a very skilled Navigators could slightly predict it, but nothing more. The fact that no-one was controlling the sun and the moon was another concept that Applejack had to swallow because because she was pretty sure that if no-one heard of Princess Celestia or Princess Luna, then they were either an unknown in the big wide world, or they simply didn't exist here.

The geography here wasn't better, because there wasn't even any big land here, just a bunch of islands that were scattered around the waters. This world was separated into several Oceans.

First was East Blue, the one in which they were currently in, also known as the weakest of the seas. This actually confused Applejack until she was told the reason for the title. Any pirate that was considered tough in this sea was actually not even average by the standards of other seas. East Blue, like its sister seas, comprises almost entirely of ocean, with a few scattered islands and a border called the Red Line.

Next was West Blue, about which Miako knew not so much, just that some important person originated from there. West Blue, like its sister seas, comprises almost entirely of ocean, with a few scattered islands and a border with the Red Line. Also, in that ocean was the legendary island Ohara, that had the Tree of Knowledge, a 5,000 year old gigantic library tree surrounded by houses. Applejack could easily compare it to Golden Oak Library, but far bigger. Twili would have fainted while foaming from the mouth from the sole idea that the place like that exists! And then she would gone on a rampage when someone will mention that it was destroyed without any real reason.

North Blue was also not well known about, but only because Miako never actually visited it. North Blue, like its sister seas, comprises almost entirely of ocean, with a few scattered islands and a border with the Red Line. To this date, the storyline has not said much about the North Blue. One of the most famous stories from the North Blue is the tale of Montblanc Noland, an explorer from Lvneel. Over 400 years ago, Noland left to explore the Grand Line, traveling many places from Vira to Jaya. Upon his return home, he lied to everyone about his journey to Jaya and seeing the City of Gold. The King heard about the City of Gold and asked Noland to take him there. Noland tricked the King into going to Jaya only to find the City of Gold was not there. Upon his return, the king sentenced Noland to death and he was executed, his last words being: "That's it! The city of gold must have sunk into the sea!"

Applejack actually gulped from the last part. There was something strange about this tale, but the fact that a person was executed made her shudder. She understood the concept of death and that everyone will die in the end, but considering how easy Miako told about it made her sick a little. Life was precious and killing was never an answer to any problem. What about compassion and mercy? Were this concepts so alien here that no one actually thought about just giving Noland a chance to explain his actions and maybe some punishment even was in order if it was just a one big prank, but a murder? No, never. Princess Celestia would have make sure that Noland learned his lesson and...

But the King in the story wasn't Princess Celestia.

It hit her like a rock to the head. All this time she was trying to apply her logic to the place that had absolutely different values and believes, but here it was different. When at home some things could be solved by understanding and talking, here people spilled blood to make their point clear. In Equestria death was a tragic event, here it was a very real and familiar for everyone occurrence. Applejack took a deep breath and kept listening, no-matter how sick some of the moment of the story were making her.

South Blue was also not a very popular sea without any valuable information about it. South Blue, like its sister seas, comprises almost entirely of ocean, with a few scattered islands and a border with the Red Line. At least there wasn't any life-shattering thing from this one.

Next part actually surprised Applejack.

Red Line, a long continent that stretches across the entire world, from North to South. While the continent appears impossible for any boat wishing to cross between the seas or to certain sections of the Grand Line, there are certain pass points at which a ship can cross between the Blues: up and down the waterways across Reverse Mountain, typically used to enter the Grand Line by pirates, by gaining Government's permission from the Holy Government Land of Mariejois, or by submerging into Fishman Island which is placed around a hole that links directly between Paradise and the New World].

The Red Line is like a group of islands connected together. The Red Line that crosses the Grand Line has its own Summer, Winter, Spring and Fall 'Islands'. The Red Line bears the World Capital, Mariejois, and is said to be 10,000 meters deep from ocean level to Fishman Island, and at the same time is high enough above sea level to be considered impassible, and is indestructible, meaning that no one can pass over it or under it without using either of the entrances.

The sheer idea of something that colossal actually existing made Applejack go blank for several moments. The titanic mountain that actually separated world in two pieces was something that was far from normal in her opinion. There was just nothing to compare it with in Equestria, there just wasn't something so fundamental and colossal that not everyone will dare to challenge it. Her shock was short because apparently Miako wasn't finished in the slightest.

Calm Belts are two areas that are just north and south of the Grand Line. These areas almost never have ocean currents or winds blowing, and are also nesting grounds for Sea Kings. They are very effective barriers for those trying to enter the Grand Line. The only notable place on them is the Great Gaol, Impel Down, is built in the middle of the Calm Belt, upon the seafloor. Because of the heavy security and Sea Kings, it is almost impossible to break in or out of it.

Apparently Sea Kings are sea creatures which are generally much larger than normal sea creatures. They are found in great numbers along the Calm Belt around the Grand Line, although in rare occasions they can be found in other places throughout the world. They consist of radically different physiques and builds, so unique that no two individual Sea Kings have been recorded as being of similar build. They are serpent-like in appearance. Some may have arms and legs and one particular Sea King even was noted to look like an over-sized frog. Despite this, they are normally different enough to be determined from other types of sea monsters. Miako didn't know much about them because the most logical thing to do was either flee or kill it, because they wouldn't pass the opportunity to eat you.

Grand Line, the ocean current that is surrounded by the Calm Belts and follows an imaginary line that runs from north-west to south-east across the middle of the world and perpendicular to the Red Line. These two lines divide the rest of the Blue Sea into the Blues: North Blue, East Blue, West Blue, and South Blue.

This stretch of ocean is said to be the most dangerous place in the world, and is commonly referred to as the 'Pirates' Graveyard' by people from the four Blues because of this reputation, but referred to as Paradise for those few who make it to the second half, showing it is all relative.

Despite the reputation of the Grand Line being dangerous and chaotic, many normal people manage a living on individual islands regardless, having adapted to their home land. This indicates that it is actually traveling within the Line itself that is dangerous, as it virtually guarantees facing unpredictable climates and dangerous wildlife. However, there are also several islands, or portions of the islands, which are considered dangerous in their own right, and thus, they are either uninhabited, or the citizens have taken precaution to the threat.

The Grand Line is divided by the Red Line into two halves. The first half, stretching from Reverse Mountain to the polar opposite point of the Red Line, is known as Paradise. The second half, which starts beyond the second Red Line point to the backside of Reverse Mountain, is known as the New World.

Applejack had to remind herself that she needed air to actually live, because this part of the explanation was more or less the most terrifying experience in her life, and she face a real life dragon! She even missed the other part of the explanation Miako was giving. The thought about an ocean that was more like a raging beast that feasted on poor souls that either were dumb or brave enough to step right into it's mouth. Right now she understood just how much of a 'Safe Heavens' Equestria really was. The monsters that could swallow the whole ship and were by far more dangerous than any Dragon she could've imagine were by far not the scariest part here.

She could die. Easily. Just like that. Applejack never felt her mortality as much as now. In Equestria she always felt something that was telling her that everything was going to be alright, and that she shouldn't worry about dieing. No matter how close she and her friends cam to the edge, they always pulled through, and not once did she or anyone else looked back and wondered how are they even alive. But right now, the feeling was gone, the calmness that was provided by it was also gone and Applejack felt all the fear and uncertainty that was there.

And then she looked at her friends.

Fluttershy was looking between her and Rainbow, who was in her own turn sharing glances with other two girls.

Fluttershy was terrified. Pure and simple.

The world was breaking down right in-front of her and she didn't know what to do. She was almost catatonic from the decription of the world in which they found themselves in.

Killing. Someone in this world could actually kill without remorse. The thought alone made the poor girl shake from terror.

How?

How?

How?

How could someone take someone else's life like that? It wasn't right!

Fluttershy was very happy with her life and didn't want anything to change. But then Twilight came and shy Pegasus' life turned upside-down.

Evil Divinities.

Dragons.

Chaotic Gods.

Everything was changing so fast that Fluttershy just couldn't handle it. After the whole mess with Iron Will, she actually took a couple of books and read them to find out why she was so aggressive and rude when the only thing she wanted was to be a bit more confident.

She now knew.

For years she suppressed all her negative emotions, making them go away to always stay kind and friendly. She had no one to help her slowly and naturally develop emotionally, grow a backbone, so to speak. She never showed her annoyance, anger or any other form of negativity towards others. And Iron Will brought it all out in one go.

She couldn't control herself. She didn't know how to work with the new and unfamiliar feelings that made her feel strong, confident, unbeatable. She lost control.

But right now something was different. She could feel it, that little fire inside herself that almost burned her that one time, now was stronger, warmer and wasn't as distant as before. It wasn't on the same scale as the roaring flames that Iron Will brought out, but not a little spark that was earlier. She didn't know the reason for it, but even then she was glad that she still had hope to be as strong as the others.

She didn't like being left behind, even when her fear actually rooted her to the spot, she still wanted to do something, but just couldn't overpower herself.

Why couldn't she brought out the same fire as others did?

She was worried about her animal-friends, but also she knew that Twilight won't leave them and was quiet capable of taking care of them. She knew that they will be alright. Something was telling her that they will be fine and that she doesn't need to worry. Her friends will be alright, and she will see them again. Yes, she was worried, but she wasn't a usual wreck that would need to be picked up piece by piece to actually force her to think.

Right now she felt her worries were there but not as pronounced as before, not so overpowering loud. They didn't become less sever, but there wasn't that... persistent as before and didn't cloud her mind. She felt... lighter right now than for a long time in her life.

She listened to what Miako was telling them and tried to memorize every important fact.

Sea Clouds, large water-like clouds. They form seas in the sky. One can almost sail on it as if it were water except that Sea Clouds are slightly less dense than water, and as such, things that are drop into it will sink faster than in normal water. Another difference of seas made of Sea Clouds from seas made of water is that there is no sea floor. They reminded Fluttershy of  Cloudsdale, with the obvious exception being the fact that everyone could sail on them, even on the normal ships without any Magic. This was an absurd concept for her, considering that even if she wasn't a specialist like Rainbow Dash, she was quiet knowledgeable about Weather-Magic and knew how the system worked as a whole, so the sheer impossibility of the whole concept made her... curious?

That was... unexpected.

The first time in her life she... She wanted to go somewhere where there was a possibility of danger! She didn't know what the feeling rising in her chest was, but the little fire inside her was burning brighter than before.

White Sea, the lower part of sky ocean, located 7000 meters above the Blue Sea, comprised of Sea Cloud. It also had strange, rubbery clouds that bounce objects off of them and can be used as trampolines for those who are creative. Fluttershy actually smiled, even a little but still a little smile made its way to her face. A sea, a whole sea up there, in the skies. Right now she didn't feel the same fear as in her childhood, right now there was like something was bubbling inside her, not strong and not even that noticeable, but for Fluttershy who never felt anything like that it was deafening roar.

The White-White Sea is the upper part of sky ocean. It is located 10,000 meters above the Blues Sea. Skypiea, among other sky islands is located here. It really was like Cloudsdale, but now not only Pegasuses could walk there and not fall down. She... She didn't know what to think about the whole thing, but right now she really didn't care.

Closing her eyes, Fluttershy took a deep breath and looked at her friends.

Applejack had the same eyes that she had when they were facing Discord.

Rainbow Dash was sitting on her chair and trying to ignore a really painful bump on her head, Miako's 'encouragement' to be calm and quiet.

Well, she hoped that she at least could get something to eat soon, tea was pretty good, even if she won't openly admit it, but nothing would replace a good old full-belly meal.

After waking up, having a panic-attack, getting hit in the head and then given a very 'Egghead' lecture, she really didn't care anymore.

So what if they were now humans? She still had her wings and they still were friends, so there really wasn't anything to worry about at the moment. She was still Rainbow Dash, the most awesome flier in Equestria, and the addition of fingers that apparently were far more useful than they appear to be in the beginning, just make her more awesome! She was the same inside, so why it mattered so much what was changed on the outside? The whole incident with Zecora and Poison Joke taught Rainbow a good lesson... and probably gave her a concussion from all the collisions she had with other Ponies and objects.

They will get through this, get to the end of this awesome adventure and then remember it with smiles on their faces. Dash was sure that they will get through this whole mess, she will make sure of it.

Rainbow knew, that she wasn't a Leader material, this was Twilight's thing, but that didn't mean that she could take actions when it was needed. She was good at what she did, and that was supporting her friends through thick and thin, through fire, ice and copper pipes!

She didn't know why, but at the moment it was eve more clear to her, that she must protect her friends and stand tall right beside them. It's like some fog was removed from her mind that was making it harder to concentrate on her goal. For the first time she saw all of her friends for what they were, a family.

'How could I miss it?' She thought. 'It was obvious from the beginning but out of my reach for some reason, right on the tip of my tongue.' Her frustration with herself grew. 'I'm a dumb featherbrain and a bad friend if I couldn't see it.'

Right now and right here she made a silent oath to never abandon her friends, no matter what.

And it never felt more fitting in her mind.

But something from Miako's speech actually interested Rainbow Dash.

World Government, a political organization comprised of the majority of the world at large and ruled by the Gorosei. It was established 800 years ago. The Marines serve as their primary military organization, headed by the Fleet Admiral, while the Cipher Pol operate behind the scenes, either through sabotage, reconnaissance, spying, espionage and/or assassination; their most powerful enemies are largely pirates and revolutionaries. The Commander-in-Chief oversees both the Marines and Cipher Pol as well as the Shichibukai, at least officially, and is second only to the Gorosei. Impel Down serves as the World Government's maximum-security prison. The World Government is largely a corrupt entity, particularly through the pitiless use of their Absolute Justice doctrine and the depravity of their aristocratic World Nobles.

Dash was having a hard time actually comprehending such a big revelation. She never was into any form of politics, but this one took the cake. A global political system that made the point of making the itself look good. Dash wasn't dumb, no matter what anyone thought, and the whole thing smelled bad for her. A whole devision the had a clock-and-dagger approach? Like hell this was right!

Gorosei, the heads of the World Government, and as such, they essentially rule the entire world. They are the five men who rule above the Marines, Cipher Pol, and the ones who made a pact with the Shichibukai.

From what Miako said, it was a bunch of old farts that only care about the image of their organization and not about the real status of things. This left bad taste in Dash's mouth.

Marines, World Government's military sea force, tasked with law enforcement, international security and military operations. The Marines are one of the three great powers, alongside the Shichibukai and the Yonko. They are present in all the seas around the world, as evidenced by their branch offices. The focus of the plurality of their assets is on the far more dangerous Grand Line, as their main headquarters, Marineford, is located there.

So, basically they were an army in Dash's opinion, just a glorified army and nothing more. You can call rock a banana, but it won't make it a banana.

Cipher Pol is a series of World Government organizations. Miako had a run in with them and could only tell that they were scum and nothing more that didn't care about anything that crossed their pass as long as they will be able to finish their mission.

Dash really didn't like the idea of some 'spy-in-the-clock' having a clean shot at her right though someone else. Considering that they would probably consider all other a collateral damage went without saying.

Shichibukai, the full title being Royal Shichibukai, are seven, though this number could fluctuate, powerful and notorious pirates who have allied themselves with the World Government. The Shichibukai is an organization of seven pirates turned privateers in the service of the World Government. Although they work for the World Government, the Shichibukai themselves do not care about or respect the Government or even other Shichibukai, and are often considered by the Marines to be no different from any other pirate. On the other hand, they are known as 'government dogs' and are despised by other pirates, but are still feared and respected for their infamous reputation and strength which they gained before, and even after they become Shichibukai.

Dash couldn't place her... finger on it, but something here sounded really wrong. The more she heard about local authorities, the less hope for them she had. Considering some thing that she was informed of, they were sometimes even worse than pirates.

Yonko, the four most notorious and most powerful pirate captains in the world, by the World Government, but are neither allies nor enemies of one another, preferring to remain autonomous under most circumstances. These four individually reside within the second half of the Grand Line known as the New World, exerting impressive influence/control over dozens of other pirate crews and self-governing islands.

Dash was more than impressed. Someone who could claim an independence through sheer might? This was astonishing, considering that there was literally a whole world against them, and they still stand tall and proud.

Pirate is anyone who raises a Jolly Roger, whether they commit an act of piracy or not. This is not, however, usually enough to give anyone a bounty, but is enough to be arrested by the Marines. Unofficially there are two types of pirates.

First type is Peace Main: a pirate who goes on adventures and does not really care about amassing treasure or fighting other pirates. That is not to say that they will not steal treasure from others if it is there and the chance is open, but their primary goal is usually not to own it and greed is generally not their motivation. More often than not, a peace main pirate sees his or her own crew as their most valuable treasure.

Second type is Morganeer: they fight for treasure and personal ambition. They are greedy and love to fight just to cause other people pain and misery.

Dash actually was interested in the first one. From how Miako described them, she could get the whole description in one word: Dreamers. They were chasing their dreams over the world, not caring about any rules or limitations, flaring their symbol for all to see and fighting for their freedom. A bit like Daring Doo actually, if Dash was right. It was like a dream-come-true! Traveling, seeking adventures and finding treasures, fighting bad guys and scaring with the loot from the beaten enemies!

'The never-ending adventure...' The thought appeared in Rainbow Dash's had faster than she could comprehend it. 'It sound... actually pretty neat!'

She looked at Applejack and Fluttershy.

Meanwhile, in Equestria, in the Golden Oak Library, hidden inside the book, the Elements of Harmony, more specifically Kindness, Honesty and Loyalty, started to pulsate ominously with acid-yellow color, but no one was there to see it.

"You know, Miako, you could have been a bit less informative and give them a short version." Said a rough voice from behind the trio of girls.

Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy turned around to see a literally gigantic figure towering over them, they could only gape.

"It was you who asked me to fully answer all of their question, sorry for being good at what I do." Answered Miako without missing a bit.

"Too true." Said the man, as walked over to the biggest chair and sit down. "Well, brats, I think an introduction is in order." His smile wasn't what anyone could call even remotely friendly.

After finishing the introduction, they had dinner and the girls were sent to bed, so they could fully rest from the very stressed day.

Dinner by itself was kind of a funny event, considering that Miako had to teach girls how to eat using your hands and all the little things about actually eating like a human. The last part came up when Applejack tried to eat salad... with her mouth. Well at least Tomic was laughing his ass off from the whole ordeal.

Girls found out that no matter how hard they tried, they just couldn't get really angry at the old man. He was rude, blunt and didn't even know what the word 'tact' meant, and apparently made it his goal in life to point any possible way of Dash getting her hair color, so of the ideas were actually pretty funny in Applejack opinion, even Fluttershy couldn't hide a little smile. While Miako was berating Tomic for his antics, girls tasted their first food in the new place.

And it was actually pretty good! A simple salad, some stewed vegetables and some juice for the girls and they were full. Good thing that Miako signaled Tomic that girls were apparently a hard-core vegetarians, so he won't accidentally drop a bomb on them. She really wasn't looking forward to explaining them that humans are omnivores.

Tomic was sitting near the entrance of his house and smoking a pipe. It was a rare occasion that he used it, because it meant that he was deep in thoughts.

His house was pretty simple, a two story wooden cottage without any fancy decorations or additions, just a box with door, windows and a roof.

"So, why did you ask me to answer all their questions and basically interrogate them in a soft form?" Asked Miako, as she joined him near the door with a bottle of Sake in hand.

Tomic released a cloud of smoke.

"Were they telling the truth?" He grunted.

"Hard to say, but at least they believed in what they were telling." Answered Miako and took a sip from the bottle.

"So, you're not sure?" Asked Tomic while rising his left eyebrow.

"Nope, they were basically telling the same thing, so either they a professionals that could pulled one over me, or they are insane." She answered with a shrug.

"You didn't even considered that they are telling the truth?" This time he actually turned to look at her.

"... Are you serious? Talking Ponies?" She chuckled. "Their madness could be contagious apparently." After a minute of silence, she still could feel Tomic's gaze on her. "Alright." She sighed. "No, I don't believe that their story is true, and they didn't even eat Akuma no Mi, considering how freely touched the forks and knives made from Kairoseki." Kairoseki is a naturally occurring, though apparently rare, substance that can cancel out Devil Fruit powers and weaken Akuma no Mi users. "Why do you even own them?"

"Hm, so you didn't believe a word they said..." Muttered Tomic looking in the forest again.

"... You are going to ignore my question, aren't you?" Mumbled Miako before facepalming with a free hand.

And again they were silent.

"I believe them." Grunted Tomic.

"... Really?" Asked Miako almost choking on her Sake.

"Yep, because they tale is so insane it could actually be true! Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!" He laughed.

"... You're insane." Mutered Miako with a tired voice, but a small smile appeared on her face.